What is the Difference Between ARV and ART?

The terms ARV (Antiretroviral) and ART (Antiretroviral Therapy) are often used interchangeably, although there is a slight difference between the two. Both ARV and ART refer to the medications used to treat HIV, but they emphasize different aspects of the treatment process.

• ARV: Antiretroviral drugs are the individual medications used to treat HIV. They work by preventing the replication of HIV and reducing the rate of HIV-related illnesses. ARVs are the only form of treatment for HIV, and people with the disease should start treatment as soon as they are diagnosed.
• ART: Antiretroviral Therapy, also known as Antiretroviral Treatment, is the combination of ARVs used to treat HIV. It involves taking a combination of two or three active HIV drugs, sometimes in a single pill, along with a booster drug in some cases. ART works by stopping HIV from making copies of itself, keeping the amount of virus in the body low and protecting the immune system. This prevents the development of HIV-related illnesses and helps patients live a long and healthy life.

In summary, the main difference between ARV and ART lies in their approach to HIV treatment. ARVs are the individual medications used to treat HIV, while ART is the combination of these medications used to effectively manage the virus. Both ARV and ART aim to reduce the impact of HIV on the body and improve the quality of life for those living with the disease.

Comparative Table: ARV vs ART

The main difference between ARV (Antiretroviral) and ART (Antiretroviral Therapy) is that ARV is a single HIV drug that involves a single treatment approach, while ART is an HIV drug that uses a combined treatment approach. Here is a table summarizing the differences between ARV and ART:

Both ARV and ART are approved drugs by different drug administration units and play an important role in the management of HIV infection.